Peter Coors Announces Senate Bid

Beer mogul, Peter Coors, officially announced Tuesday he will run for the senate seat being vacated by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell.

The Coors CEO made the announcement across the state, beginning at the state capitol, then at Colorado Springs' Pioneers Museum, and again in Pueblo.

Governor Bill Owens had mentioned Coors' intention to run last week during a wildfire briefing.

Now, Governor Owens is pulling his support from Republican Bob Schaffer, and putting it behind Coors.

Senator Campbell says, knowing Peter is in the running, makes him feel better about his decision to leave the senate.

The Coors name has been passed down through four generations of Coloradans. Peter says serving in office is one way he feels he can pay the state back for his prosperity, "I've been particularly blessed to have a 35 year business career. I just feel it's time to pay back. I want to serve our country, serve the citizens of Colorado, this is the time to do it."

This will be the first time Coors has run for office. But, he's been active in public policy for years.

He says, if he gets the chance to be senator, he will primarily focus on creating jobs and helping the economy to grow, "we've got a budget, we've got to stand by it, we want jobs, we want to be able to spend more of our own money."

Coors added, with two teachers in his family including his wife, Marilyn, education will also be a top priority.

First and foremost, Coors says, he will take his company's character to Washington, "I believe in integrity, quality, passion, excelling, in making a difference, these are the qualities i'll bring to the U.S. Senate."

Peter Coors has been chief executive officer of Coors Brewing Company since 1993. In 2002 he was also named chairman of Adolph Coors and the Coors Brewing Company. Coors has been brewing beer in Colorado for 127 years.

He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from Cornell University and a master's in business from the University of Denver.

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